A soft whimper escaped her lips as she felt a sharp jagged edge run down her skin. It was not the first wound she had endured that night. The thorn brushed deeply into her skin, causing her to wince again. She pushed the numbing pain behind and she continued to run, run away from her fear, her pain... Her love...

'How foolish was I...' her voice was dripping with anguish as it echoed through her head. 'I should have known better than to try and surprise him...' Tears had begun to blur her vision and breathing was becoming almost unbearable as she pushed her body beyond its limits. Another thorny claw caught onto her dress as she ran, it tore the material slightly.

'Why...' Was all that ran through her mind over and over again as she ran faster and harder. She tried to outrun her numbing hatred for her weakness. She blamed her weak heart, her naive innocents, but most of all she blamed herself. A sudden rush of air left her lungs in a small scream as she tripped over a rugged branch.

She fell with a dull thud, her body in a crumpled position. Right away pain surged through her body as she rolled onto her back panting softly as she held her wrist tightly to her chest. Her knees were warm with pain; her lungs began to tighten thirsting for air. The taste of copper pooled in her mouth.

She laid there completely unsure and confused. Pain echoed through her both physically and mentally. Her heart was broken and her body was bruised. "I was stupid..." She scoffed, her breathing slowly returned to its normal pace. Her upper body lifted itself as she looked up through the tree line. The stars were breath taking. The sun was still on the horizon and spread a beautiful sapphire glow through the darkness. "I should never have come back..." She closed her eyes as tears began to fall again.

Gently she began to massage her wrist rolling it slightly to make sure it still functioned properly. Another whimper escaped her lips as she felt it had already begun to grow stiff. She once again lowered her back to the cool grass, letting her eyes slip shut slowly as she rethought how she had come to be there.

Flashback

A lily purple sundress lay on her bed as Kagome began rummaging through her drawers searching for her matching bracelet. "Inuyasha will be so surprised." She mused as a smile of pure joy graced her lips.

She had been planning this day for about a week. Kagome had talked Keade into taking Shippou for the evening and begged Sango to spend time with Miroku away from the well. Her plan was to surprise Inuyasha with a dinner picnic. There was rumoured to be shooting starts that night and she would love to watch them undisturbed with him.

Giving a pleased smile Kagome pulled the purple bracelet carefully from its perch in the back of her drawer. "Always in the last place you look..." She sighed happily.

After a quick shower Kagome changed into her dress. It was a nice fitting sundress. It was cut just above her knees, it had some belling to it and slowly narrowed near her waist where it clung slightly, and it was slightly snug to her bust but still was comfortable to breathe in. The neckline came down in a scoop, just above where her cleavage would be. Making her body look mature but not overly, she was still after all only seventeen. The dress had two tank-topped straps that split slightly so there was a single diamond hole to show her shoulders.

Kagome sighed contently as she twirled in front of the mirror. 'I hope Inuyasha likes my dress...' She blushed nervously. 'What if he doesn't like it?' Fear began to squirm inside her stomach as her face lost color.

"Kagome?" her mother entered the room, a loving smile on her face as she absorbed her daughters' outfit. "Are you feeling well? You look pale." Although her eyes still held a loving smile, her face wore concern on it.

"Yes mom I'm feeling fine. Just a little nervous." Kagome blushed softly as her mother gave her a knowing smile.

"Kagome Inuyasha will think you're beautiful, no matter if you're in that dress or not, you could be in rags and he'd still think you're beautiful. If he did not then he is a fool. Any boy who does not see your perfect the way you are Kagome is blind." Kagome's mother stepped towards her embracing her in a reassuring hug. "Although I must say Kagome, I don't want grandchildren at such a young age."

Kagome gaped at her mother but remained in her loving embrace, "Mom..." She whispered as if trying to defend herself. But nothing she could think of seemed to be able to fix this predicament. "I..." her cheeks burned more quickly now as she slowly withdrew from her mother's hold and look at her smiling softly, "I love you mom." Was all she mustered to say.

"Kagome you're my little girl, sometimes I forget that you are seventeen and not four anymore." Kagome's mother cupped her cheek softly. "I love you too Kagome." A loud thump brought both women to a started jump.

"Ops..." was heard from downstairs, soon followed by the pattering of feet, working their way up the stairs in a hurried fashion. Souta ran past the room making a beeline for his own private sanctuary.

"SOUTA!" Came the booming voice of Kagome's grandfather. It echoed through the house followed by a muttered 'My poor vase!'

"I better go and see what damage your brother has done." Kagome's mother sighed softly but held her smile.

"Okay mom." Kagome smiled as her mom left the room. A sigh of relief came as she heard her mom go down the stairs. Although they had just shared a very rare mother daughter moment, she really didn't want to talk about 'grandchildren' with her mother at that point in time. Inuyasha had yet to even say he had feelings for her.

Kagome frowned slightly as she looked at herself once more in the mirror, "Here goes nothing..."

Shortly after Kagome had packed a basket full of sandwiches, drinks, some preheated green tea, as well as a few treats for desert. Kagome had placed a blue blanket in first then the dishes, and then she placed the food.

"Well... The days not getting any younger." Kagome sighed, a soft smile played on her lips as she began to walk towards the well. Looking back briefly at her home, the Shrine, and the God Tree. "See you guys later" She murmured as she walked into the old well house. Slowly and carefully she made her way down the rickety stairs and to the lip of the well. "Here I come." She set her foot on the lip of the well and rose to her feet jumping into the well. One hand with the basket the other holding her dress from flying up.

A blue light engulfed her for a brief moment as she passed through the well. The sight of vines and butterflies around her eased the nervousness in her body. Slowly she made her way up the wells walls. Carefully Kagome pushed herself up over the well, the basket in hand.

The sun was still in the sky and sunset would be a good hour or so away, "Perfect." Kagome began to set work at organizing the picnic, setting the blanket down gently on the grass and placing the basket itself in the middle of it.

Kagome dusted herself off gently as she began to pace. Miroku was supposed to tell Inuyasha that he thought Kouga was around the well sniffing her out. Although it would bring a rather angry Inuyasha into her presents, she felt confident she could talk him down.

The sun was just ducking behind the trees now and Inuyasha was nowhere to be seen. Kagome sighed softly and decided to head towards Keade Village, maybe Inuyasha had been stubborn about Kouga being around.

The breeze was getting stronger causing her hair to whip in front of her face. Kagome delicately tucked her hair behind her ear as she pressed onward.

She was just about a five minutes walk to Kaedes when Kagome noticed the familiar tingle of jewel shards. Deep down she knew it would be better to seek Inuyasha and the others but curiosity caught the best of her and slowly she pushed into the bushes in search of the source.

It seemed like a rather large piece, its power was not tainted as far as she could sense, but it did not seem to be pure either. Slowly she parted a few branches to find herself engulfed by vines. They fell loosely on her almost like snakes.

Kagome raised her arms quickly ripping the vines from her body as she hastily pressed forward into a clearing. The image she saw made her heart stop, her blood ran cold, and tears began to fill her vision.

There in the middle of the field was Inuyasha, her love, in the arms of her past, Kikio. At first she felt she should just turn her back and leave but there was something inside her that snapped. The last part of her nerve had given way, and slowly her face burned. She held her head high, her fists clenched tightly, her knuckles turning white. Her body went numb for a moment before searing with pure pain and hatred. A feeling Kagome had never endured before.

"Inuyasha." She spoke softly wondering if he could hear.

Slowly Inuyasha withdrew from Kikios arms and turned, pail faced, to see Kagome staring at him. He winced at the hatred that intertwined with her sweet vanilla, honey suckle scent. "Kagome." His voice was calm and soothing, almost as if he was asking for forgiveness. What was she doing there? Why now? Inuyasha held his breath. He was not expecting Kagome back for a few days.

"Inuyasha." Kagome's eyes began to water as she turned her head to the side staring at the ground, trying to hide her pain. "Inuyasha. I'm sorry I interrupted." Was all she muttered before turning on her heal, her back to the couple.

"Kagome." Inuyasha released a slightly miffed Kikio from his hold and began to walk towards Kagome. He got only a foot from her when a tug at his sleeve caused him to stop. He turned his face to look at Kikio. Her eyes were dull and pained, "Later." Inuyasha spoke softly as he cupped her cheek tenderly before kissing her forehead, and began moving again to Kagome.

Kagome could hear the blades of grass fold under his feet. A hand touched her shoulder gently. She did not turn to see if it was his hand or not. Tears began to weld again as she sniffled softly, small tears rolling down her cheek.

"Please, no tears." Inuyasha spoke softly as he turned her to face him. Her face was lowered her bangs hiding her tearful eyes. He placed a hand on her cheek and attempted to wipe away a few of the droplets.

"Do not touch me." Kagome voice was quiet but stern, she reached her hand upward to Inuyasha's wrist gently pushing it away. "I should leave you two alone. I'm sorry I came back." She muttered through gritted teeth.

She raised her head to look up at him. His eyes held pain, fear, and a hint of love, but none of that mattered now. Kagome knew what she must do. Slowly she reached out her hand and gently stroked his face and let her hand fall on his shoulder. "I forgive you." Her voice was sweet and gentle as she yanked at Inuyasha's beads.

Inuyasha gasped as he felt the beads fall from his neck, he looked down as they rolled off his body and onto the grass. "Kagome."

A small finger silenced him, "You are free Inuyasha." Was all she murmured before turning her back to him and running off into the forest.

"Kagome." Inuyasha whispered into the wind as he watched her run from him. He felt hurt and guilty. His selfishness had caused Kagome pain. All Inuyasha wanted was to be carefree to be able to love anyone he wanted but his pride would not allow that. Kikio was his duty, not his choice.

"Inuyasha." Kikio voice cut through the evening air. She stood still as a tree in the middle of the clearing.

"I'm coming Kikio." Inuyasha grunted as he turned towards the dead miko. 'Kagome… I love you, but I have to pay Kikio back. I need to give her peace before I can move on with my life.'

Inuyasha gave one final look back to the woods before he once more fell into the cold embrace of Kikio.

End of flashback.

Kagome opened her eyes slightly, propping an elbow underneath her. "Inuyasha…" She whimpered.

Her body suddenly felt a tingle flow through it as she felt jewel shards beginning to make their way towards her. Kagome scrambled to get to her feet, she scanned the area for a place to hide. A nearby trees root came through the ground rising up a few feet. "That will have to do." She whispered as she scurried over to the roots and submerged herself into the tree.

The wind began to gust and swirl as a small tornado made its way through the trees, tarring them up from the roots. "Kagome?" Kouga's voice came from the tornado as it slowed and stilled, disappearing as the Prince of Wolves descended to the ground and began looking around the small area. "Kagome?" He called again as his eyes scanned the foliage for the young woman.

"Kouga?" Kagome squeaked softly as she rose from her hiding spot. Her sundress had suffered some minor damage, a few nicks and knacks here or there but the pure sight of her caused Kouga's youkai to growl pleasingly.

"Kagome! What on earth happened to you? Your arms are bleeding, and look at your knees! They're all scrapped up… Where's mutt face? Shouldn't he be looking after you?" Kouga's voice was laced with concern as he began to investigate her minor wounds. Although they were small he fussed over them, if only to be closer to her. His youkai instincts were kicking in a lot the past few days. It was almost his mating season and his mind had wandered to the young Miko often. He had been patrolling the farthest borders to the east when he had picked up Kagome's scent. Without even thinking he was off in a flash to seek his proclaimed love.

"Kouga… I'm fine, just a few bruises and scrapes." Kagome said sweetly to him as she placed a hand on his forearm. Kouga's eyes seemed to flash ruby for a moment before turning to their normal blue. "Are you well?" Kagome asked softly.

"Yes… Just please Kagome for your own safety I must ask you just this once to refrain from touching me." His remark was stated with a smirk as he watched her blush deeply, shying her eyes away.

"As you wish Kouga." Kagome whispered removing her hand from his arm looking downward as she continued to blush.

'So submissive…' His youkai voice whispered in his head, 'She will make a good mate.'

'I know she will.' Kouga smirked again down at Kagome before he turned her in a small circle to see if there were any more cuts that need his tending. "You seem to look fine, my Kagome."

"Thank you Kouga…" She began to play with her hair slightly nervous at the look in his eyes. They were lustful and loving and it didn`t help her nervousness. She`d always been so nervous when it came to looking at him, she was afraid she might actually develop feelings for the wolf youkai if their eyes met. He seemed able to hold her attention every time he every time he caught her gaze. Sometimes she would find herself day dreaming what it would be like to be with him instead of Inuyasha.

Kouga took a step back admiring Kagome's odd clothing. He always had loved her 'uniform' but this new outfit seemed to bring out her best features. Her rosy cheeks, her full pink lips, and the way her curves seemed to be so full and lustful. A small growl escaped his lips as he turned his head quickly giving a huff. 'Control yourself…'

'Take her! Can you not read her movements? She feels for us, take her!' Kouga's youkai screamed in his head.

Kouga looked over at Kagome again. She held her hand to her lips, a nail trapped delicately between her teeth as she watched him nervously. His youkai growls were obviously making her concerned, 'No can you not see? She is scared and nervous. She has no idea what being my mate would mean. I will not take her until she fully understands.'

'Baka.' came his youkai voice. Kouga's eyes flashed red as he held his fist tight trying to keep his cool. Kagome seemed concerned and took a step towards him, his youkai growled, 'She is past the age of mating. She is on our lands, with no male claim. There is no claim on this girl! Take. Her.'

"Kouga…" Kagome whispered softly as she touched his trembling arm again. He snarled lowly and snapped his face almost directly in hers. She gasped at how close they were. His breath fell in short gasps over her rosy cheeks as her eyes rounded looking innocently up at him, confused and totally unprepared for this situation.

"Kagome… Please. Do not…" Kouga growled softly as he felt his lips brush against her as he spoke, "You're not safe." He whispered as his body continued to convulse and twitch with need.

Kagome backed away from Kouga only for him to wrap his arms tightly around her thrusting her body to his. Her breath hitched as air left her lungs from the contact to his hard chest. Kagome's round doe like eyes looked up at Kouga in complete shock. 'Inuyasha…' Suddenly Kagome's lips became dry and her tongue darted out on instinct to moisten them.

Kouga's youkai watched her innocent act and stared deeply into her beautiful eyes. "Kagome…" Kouga's voice was shaking as he ducked his head down and kissed Kagome gently on the lips. Growling contently from the contact, his youkai was satisfied by the action.

A soft gasp came muffled against Kouga's lips as he kissed Kagome sweetly and innocently. Kagome looked up at Kouga for a minute. His eyes seeped red and his chest rumbled with a feral growl. 'His lips are so soft…' Kagome thought softly. Her body was reacting to the kiss. A heat began to pool in her lower stomach. Kagome had no urge to fight Kouga, his eyes began to slowly close and she soon followed. Letting her body concentrate on the sensation he was sending through her. No kiss from Inuyasha had made her feel this way.

Her nerves hummed with activity. The dull thud of her heart began to boom in her ears. She placed a delicate hand on Kouga's cheek letting her fingers play on his smooth skin.

Kouga's youkai howled joyfully. Slowly Kouga pulled from Kagome and smirked as her eyes opened half lidded. Her cheeks were stained a deep red. Slowly she raised a hand to her lips and sighed softly in a content manner.

"Kouga." Kagome whispered obviously confused about what had just transpired. Kouga had never kissed her before, she had always thought of him as a close friend. Someone who would always protect her when she was in danger and Inuyasha was nowhere to be seen. Never had she actual thought that one little innocent kiss from him would jumble her thoughts so much. She loved Inuyasha didn't she?

A hand found its way to her head as she shook it softly. Kagome's head was hurting from the wave of confusion that now consumed her. Kouga? Inuyasha? Had she developed feelings for Kouga and never realized it? She always made sure that Inuyasha never hurt him, or if Kouga was in any kind of danger that he was saved one way or another. Yes she cared for him and she wouldn't deny that, but was it love? Did she love Kouga? Kagome really wasn't sure how she felt, other than confused.

"Kagome I'm sorry I warned you…" Kouga's voice was soft and soothing in the most pleasing way. Maybe his youkai instincts were right. Kagome had not tried to leave his hold, nor did she seem to be offended that he had kissed her. Maybe she truly was ready for the act of mating. There was a slight musk laced through her vanilla honey suckle scent which was a clear indication that she was aroused by his advances. The thought caused Kouga to shiver and a certain lower appendage to twitch with need.

"Kouga please do not be sorry." Kagome whispered while touching Kouga's forearm reassuringly, he'd done nothing wrong in her eyes.

For a moment Kouga was silent. The wheels in his mind slowly turned, trying to think of what to say to her. What he could do to make her understand. "Kagome… I have always said you would be my woman and tonight I want to prove to you that I am a better choice than that mutt. Give me one night to prove to you that I am everything you need Kagome." Kouga cupped Kagome's cheek gently smirking, "Let me show you what a real youkai can do."

"Kouga I… I…" Kagome blushed profusely. "I don't know what to say…" Kagome turned her head slightly suddenly finding that ground a very interesting thing. 'Should I say yes? I can't say yes! This is insane!' She was seventeen and unsure if she was ready for such an act, at least mentally. Physically she'd been ready for years but she was saving herself for someone special. Someone who loved her unconditionally, who'd love her forever.

'What harm could it do?' a voice rang through Kagome's head.

"Say nothing Kagome." Kouga pulled Kagome's chin gently pressing his lips to her passionately. His first kiss was tender and sweet but this one was filled with hunger and lust. Slowly his tongue licked Kagome's bottom lip causing her to gasp gently at his boldness, allowing entrance to her mouth.

Kagome's mind went blank for a moment; Inuyasha's face became a blur as Kouga slowly ran his clawed hands up and down Kagome's bare skin. His tongue danced inside her mouth tracing her teeth, toying with her tongue. He wanted to memorize all of Kagome; he had a lot of area to cover and only one night of passion to map it all out in his mind.